Ron Ward - The Lord's Return

"No one knows how far short we fall better than ourselves."

2 Peter 3:1-3
Note that scoffers WILL come.

1 Corinthians 16:22
Bold statements: If you don't love the Lord, you are anathema.
Christ's return: Maranatha
     If you use it as a greeting, it may change the way you live.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
2 Thessalonians 4
...as a parallel to Enoch's life
(1-8) Work of faith
     Enoch walked with God
(9-12) Labor of Love
     Enoch pleased God
(13-18) Patience of Hope
     God took Enoch
A scoffer says, The Lord is not coming.
     Their greatest trait is denial.
(1) Urge & Exhort - Know that this is important
(3) Will of God is our sanctification
     We will be different
     We are different because we are His
          Sexual purity is important
          "Our vessel" = our wife and marital relationship.

"When you defraud somebody, it doesn't stop at the courthouse; it goes all the way to the throne of God."

Urge - Live a life of purity. It's seen in your personal interactions.

(9-12) Walk of Love
     Love increases as you live purely.
"You want to find a spouse? Expose yourself! ...expose yourself in the ministry and work of Christ."

Patience of Hope
     Without something to look forward to, why would we be here?